Kerry Hemus is a critical care paramedic and patient liaison lead with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
THIS IS
KERRY'S STORY.
Working on the frontline of emergency care for more than two decades, Kerry Hemus has dedicated her career to helping people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As a Critical Care Paramedic and Patient Liaison Lead with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, her role goes far beyond immediate response - combining advanced clinical care with ongoing support for patients and their families.
Kerry joined the organisation in May 2005, when it was known as County Air Ambulance, bringing with her a strong foundation built at West Midlands Ambulance Service. Having started her journey as a cadet at just 18, she qualified as a paramedic in 2001 and her passion for pre-hospital care led her to complete her Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) crew member training, enabling her to take on a technical role on board the aircraft while continuing to develop her clinical expertise.
Over the years, Kerry has progressed significantly within the service, qualifying as a Critical Care Paramedic in 2009. Her experience spans a variety of roles across the trauma network, including shifts on the aircraft, working on the Regional Trauma Desk within the West Midlands Ambulance Service Emergency Operations Centre, and responding to incidents as part of the MERIT (Medical Emergency Intervention Team) rapid response unit.
Following the charity’s independence in 2022, Kerry took on a full-time position, where she now works as part of the critical care team responding to seriously ill and injured patients. Delivering advanced interventions at the scene, she plays a vital role in stabilising patients and ensuring they are transported to the most appropriate hospital for ongoing care.
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Alongside her clinical responsibilities, Kerry also leads on patient liaison - a role that extends the charity’s care beyond the point of hospital handover. By reaching out to patients and their families after incidents, she helps provide clarity, reassurance and ongoing support during recovery or bereavement.
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She explains: “Supporting others through tragedy has taught me the value of compassion, teamwork and living each day with purpose.”
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This follow-up care can make a significant difference, particularly for those who may not remember the events surrounding their incident or who are seeking answers about their treatment. For bereaved families, it offers an opportunity to ask questions and be guided towards appropriate support networks, ensuring they are not left to navigate difficult circumstances alone.
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Outside of her role, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family. With three children, life is busy, but she makes the most of family walks, games of football, shopping sprees with daughter Liv and time together at home. She also enjoys city breaks with her partner, making space to rest and recharge away from the demands of the job.
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Fitness is another important part of Kerry’s routine. Training regularly in her home gym not only helps her switch off mentally but also ensures she is physically prepared for the demands of the role - whether that’s carrying equipment across challenging terrain or reaching patients in hard-to-access locations. Over the past year, Kerry has also taken up golf. She’s still in the early days, but after a few lessons she’s really enjoying it - especially the time spent with her partner at the driving range. Kerry just asks that you mind your heads when she is around!
Feeling fortunate to do the job she loves, Kerry takes pride in both aspects of her role - delivering life-saving care in critical moments and continuing that support long after the incident has passed.
Supporting others through tragedy has taught me the value of compassion, teamwork and living each day with purpose
